Thinking, Problem-Solving, and Decision-Making - AP Psychology
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What is a mental set in problem-solving?
What is a mental set in problem-solving?
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Tendency to approach problems in a familiar way. Rigid thinking patterns block new solutions.
Tendency to approach problems in a familiar way. Rigid thinking patterns block new solutions.
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Identify the cognitive bias where people overestimate their ability to predict outcomes.
Identify the cognitive bias where people overestimate their ability to predict outcomes.
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Hindsight bias. The 'I-knew-it-all-along' effect after events occur.
Hindsight bias. The 'I-knew-it-all-along' effect after events occur.
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What is the availability heuristic?
What is the availability heuristic?
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Estimating likelihood based on readily available examples. Recent memorable events seem more probable.
Estimating likelihood based on readily available examples. Recent memorable events seem more probable.
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What is satisficing in decision-making?
What is satisficing in decision-making?
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Choosing an option that meets a minimum requirement. Good enough is often better than perfect.
Choosing an option that meets a minimum requirement. Good enough is often better than perfect.
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What is the term for the tendency to favor information that confirms existing beliefs?
What is the term for the tendency to favor information that confirms existing beliefs?
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Confirmation bias. Seeks supporting evidence while avoiding challenges.
Confirmation bias. Seeks supporting evidence while avoiding challenges.
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What is the definition of an algorithm in problem-solving?
What is the definition of an algorithm in problem-solving?
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A step-by-step procedure for solving a problem. Guarantees a solution through systematic steps.
A step-by-step procedure for solving a problem. Guarantees a solution through systematic steps.
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Identify the term for overestimating the accuracy of our knowledge and judgments.
Identify the term for overestimating the accuracy of our knowledge and judgments.
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Overconfidence. Unjustified certainty in our abilities and knowledge.
Overconfidence. Unjustified certainty in our abilities and knowledge.
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What is the definition of an algorithm in problem-solving?
What is the definition of an algorithm in problem-solving?
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A step-by-step procedure for solving a problem. Guarantees a solution through systematic steps.
A step-by-step procedure for solving a problem. Guarantees a solution through systematic steps.
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What is a heuristic in the context of decision-making?
What is a heuristic in the context of decision-making?
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A mental shortcut used to make judgments quickly. Trades accuracy for speed in decision-making.
A mental shortcut used to make judgments quickly. Trades accuracy for speed in decision-making.
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Which problem-solving strategy involves breaking a problem into smaller parts?
Which problem-solving strategy involves breaking a problem into smaller parts?
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Decomposition. Divides complex problems into manageable subproblems.
Decomposition. Divides complex problems into manageable subproblems.
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Identify the term for the tendency to rely too heavily on the first piece of information.
Identify the term for the tendency to rely too heavily on the first piece of information.
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Anchoring bias. First impressions disproportionately influence judgment.
Anchoring bias. First impressions disproportionately influence judgment.
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What is the representativeness heuristic?
What is the representativeness heuristic?
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Judging likelihood based on similarity to prototypes. Assumes similar-looking things belong together.
Judging likelihood based on similarity to prototypes. Assumes similar-looking things belong together.
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Define functional fixedness in problem-solving.
Define functional fixedness in problem-solving.
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Inability to see objects being used in nontraditional ways. Mental rigidity prevents creative tool use.
Inability to see objects being used in nontraditional ways. Mental rigidity prevents creative tool use.
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What is the difference between convergent and divergent thinking?
What is the difference between convergent and divergent thinking?
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Convergent narrows options; divergent generates options. One focuses solutions, the other explores possibilities.
Convergent narrows options; divergent generates options. One focuses solutions, the other explores possibilities.
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Identify the term for a sudden realization of a problem's solution.
Identify the term for a sudden realization of a problem's solution.
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Insight. The 'aha!' moment when solutions suddenly emerge.
Insight. The 'aha!' moment when solutions suddenly emerge.
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What is the confirmation bias?
What is the confirmation bias?
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Tendency to search for information that confirms beliefs. Ignores contradictory evidence to maintain beliefs.
Tendency to search for information that confirms beliefs. Ignores contradictory evidence to maintain beliefs.
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Which heuristic involves solving problems by working backward from the goal?
Which heuristic involves solving problems by working backward from the goal?
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Means-end analysis. Reduces gap between current state and goal.
Means-end analysis. Reduces gap between current state and goal.
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What does the term 'framing effect' refer to?
What does the term 'framing effect' refer to?
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Decisions influenced by the way information is presented. Context and wording shape our choices.
Decisions influenced by the way information is presented. Context and wording shape our choices.
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What is a mental set in problem-solving?
What is a mental set in problem-solving?
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Tendency to approach problems in a familiar way. Rigid thinking patterns block new solutions.
Tendency to approach problems in a familiar way. Rigid thinking patterns block new solutions.
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What is meant by 'base rate fallacy'?
What is meant by 'base rate fallacy'?
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Ignoring statistical information in favor of anecdotal data. Overlooks general statistics for specific cases.
Ignoring statistical information in favor of anecdotal data. Overlooks general statistics for specific cases.
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Identify the bias where people prefer avoiding losses over acquiring gains.
Identify the bias where people prefer avoiding losses over acquiring gains.
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Loss aversion. Losses feel worse than equivalent gains feel good.
Loss aversion. Losses feel worse than equivalent gains feel good.
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What is the gambler's fallacy?
What is the gambler's fallacy?
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Belief that past events affect the likelihood of future events. Assumes random events have patterns or memory.
Belief that past events affect the likelihood of future events. Assumes random events have patterns or memory.
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Identify the heuristic that involves making decisions based on the most easily recalled information.
Identify the heuristic that involves making decisions based on the most easily recalled information.
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Availability heuristic. Memory accessibility shapes probability estimates.
Availability heuristic. Memory accessibility shapes probability estimates.
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What is the status quo bias?
What is the status quo bias?
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Preference for the current state of affairs. Resistance to change favors current conditions.
Preference for the current state of affairs. Resistance to change favors current conditions.
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What is the term for the tendency to favor information that confirms existing beliefs?
What is the term for the tendency to favor information that confirms existing beliefs?
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Confirmation bias. Seeks supporting evidence while avoiding challenges.
Confirmation bias. Seeks supporting evidence while avoiding challenges.
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Define the term 'illusory correlation'.
Define the term 'illusory correlation'.
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Perceiving a relationship between variables when none exists. Sees patterns in random coincidences.
Perceiving a relationship between variables when none exists. Sees patterns in random coincidences.
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What is the effect of the 'bandwagon' in decision-making?
What is the effect of the 'bandwagon' in decision-making?
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Adopting beliefs because others do. Social proof influences individual choices.
Adopting beliefs because others do. Social proof influences individual choices.
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What is the sunk cost fallacy?
What is the sunk cost fallacy?
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Continuing an endeavor due to previously invested resources. Past investments justify continued poor decisions.
Continuing an endeavor due to previously invested resources. Past investments justify continued poor decisions.
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Identify the term for choosing an option with the highest perceived value.
Identify the term for choosing an option with the highest perceived value.
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Maximizing. Seeks the absolute best possible outcome.
Maximizing. Seeks the absolute best possible outcome.
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What does the term 'cognitive dissonance' refer to?
What does the term 'cognitive dissonance' refer to?
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Discomfort from holding conflicting cognitions. Mental conflict motivates attitude change.
Discomfort from holding conflicting cognitions. Mental conflict motivates attitude change.
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